Easy To Use Patents Search & Patent Lawyer Directory

At Patents you can conduct a Patent Search, File a Patent Application, find a Patent Attorney, or search available technology through our Patent Exchange. Patents are available using simple keyword or date criteria. If you are looking to hire a patent attorney, you've come to the right place. Protect your idea and hire a patent lawyer.

A component supply device includes a storage section, a mounting section,
and a component support section. The storage section stores multiple
components. The storage section is mounted to the mounting section. The
storage section is attachable and detachable in relation to the mounting
section. The component support section supports, in a scattered state,
multiple components which are discharged from an opening of the storage
section which is in a state of being mounted to the mounting section.

1. A component supply device comprising: a storage section which stores
multiple components; a mounting section to which the storage section is
mounted; and a component support section which supports, in a scattered
state, multiple components which are discharged from an opening of the
storage section which is in a state of being mounted to the mounting
section, wherein the storage section is attachable and detachable in
relation to the mounting section.

2. The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein the storage
section includes an identification information recording medium on which
identification information for identifying the storage section is
recorded.

3. The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein the storage
section includes a closing member which is capable of moving between an
open position at which the opening of the storage section is opened
allowing the components to be discharged from the opening, and a close
position at which at least a portion of the opening of the storage
section is blocked preventing the components from being discharged from
the opening.

4. The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein the closing
member is formed using a material which is capable of elastic
deformation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a component supply device which is
provided with a component support section for supporting multiple
components in a scattered state.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In a known component supply device, multiple components, which are
discharged from an opening of a storage section which stores the multiple
components, are scattered on a component support section, and the
components are supplied in the next step through the operation of a
component holding robot or the like from the component support section.
An example of such a component supply device is described in the
following patent literature.

[0003] PTL 1: JP-A-10-202569

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

[0004] In the component supply device which is described in the above
patent literature, when exchanging the type or the like of the components
to be supplied, the operation of the device is stopped, and after
removing the components from the storage section, it is necessary to
store a new type of component in the storage section. Therefore, in order
to exchange the components, the work of supplying the components may be
stopped and the working efficiency may be lowered. A component exchange
work may not be easily performed. The invention is made in consideration
of such circumstances, and an object of the invention is to provide a
component supply device capable of easily performing component exchange
work, and capable of performing the exchanging of the components without
stopping the work of supplying the components.

Solution to Problem

[0005] In order to solve the problem described above, a component supply
device described in the invention includes a storage section which stores
multiple components, a mounting section to which the storage section is
mounted, and, a component support section which supports, in a scattered
state, multiple components which are discharged from an opening of the
storage section which is in a state of being mounted to the mounting
section, in which the storage section is attachable and detachable in
relation to the mounting section.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0006] In the component supply device described in the invention, the
storage section which stores multiple components is attachable and
detachable in relation to the mounting section. Therefore, when the
components of a next step are being supplied from the component support
section through an operation of a component holding robot or the like,
for example, it is possible to remove the storage section from the
mounting section and to attach a component storage section in which a new
type of component is stored to the mounting section. Accordingly, it
becomes possible to perform exchanging of components without stopping
work of supplying the components. Performing the component exchange work
becomes easy.

[0031] Hereinafter, detailed description will be given of the example of
the invention with reference to the drawings as an embodiment of the
invention.

<Configuration of Component Mounting Device>

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a component mounting device 10. The component
mounting device 10 is a device for executing work of mounting components
onto a circuit substrate 12. The component mounting device 10 is provided
with a device main body 20, a substrate conveying and holding device 22,
a component mounting device 24, imaging devices 26 and 28, a component
supply device 30, and a bulk component supply device 32. Examples of the
circuit substrate 12 include a circuit board, a three-dimensional
structure substrate, and the like, and examples of the circuit board
include a printed-wiring board, a printed-circuit board, and the like.

[0033] The device main body 20 is formed of a frame section 40, and a beam
section 42 which bridges over the frame section 40. The substrate
conveying and holding device 22 is arranged in the middle of the
front-rear direction of the frame section 40, and includes a conveyance
device 50 and a clamping device 52. The conveyance device 50 is a device
which conveys the circuit substrate 12, and the clamping device 52 is a
device which holds the circuit substrate 12. Accordingly, the substrate
conveying and holding device 22 conveys the circuit substrate 12 and
holds the circuit substrate 12 in a fixed manner at a predetermined
position. In the following description, the conveyance direction of the
circuit substrate 12 will be referred to as an X-direction, a horizontal
direction which is perpendicular to the conveyance direction will be
referred to as a Y-direction, and the vertical direction will be referred
to as a Z-direction. In other words, the width direction of the component
mounting device 10 is the X-direction, and the front-rear direction is
the Y-direction.

[0034] The component mounting device 24 is arranged on the beam section
42, and includes two work heads 60 and 62, and a work head moving device
64. Each of the work heads 60 and 62 includes a component holding tool
(refer to FIG. 2) 66 such as a chuck or a suction nozzle, and holds a
component using the component holding tool 66. The work head moving
device 64 includes an X-direction moving device 68, a Y-direction moving
device 70, and a Z-direction moving device 72. The two work heads 60 and
62 are caused to move integrally to an arbitrary position on the frame
section 40 by the X-direction moving device 68 and the Y-direction moving
device 70. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the work heads 60 and 62 are mounted
to be attachable and detachable in sliders 74 and 76, respectively, and
the Z-direction moving device 72 causes the sliders 74 and 76 to move in
the up-down direction individually. In other words, the work heads 60 and
62 are caused to move in the up-down direction individually by the
Z-direction moving device 72.

[0035] The imaging device 26 is attached to the slider 74 in a state of
facing downward, and is caused to move in the X-direction, the
Y-direction, and the Z-direction together with the work head 60.
Accordingly, the imaging device 26 images an arbitrary position on the
frame section 40. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging device 28 is
arranged between the substrate conveying and holding device 22 and the
component supply device 30 on the frame section 40 in a state of facing
upward. Accordingly, the imaging device 28 images the components which
are held by the component holding tools 66 of the work heads 60 and 62.

[0036] The component supply device 30 is arranged on an end portion of one
side in the front-rear direction of the frame section 40. The component
supply device 30 includes a tray-type component supply device 78 and a
feeder-type component supply device (not illustrated). The tray-type
component supply device 78 is a device which supplies components which
are in a state of being placed on a tray. The feeder-type component
supply device is a device which supplies components using a tape feeder
(not illustrated).

[0037] The bulk component supply device 32 is arranged on an end portion
of the other side in the front-rear direction of the frame section 40.
The bulk component supply device 32 is a device which orders multiple
components in a state of being scattered loosely and supplies the
components in an ordered state. In other words, a device which orders
multiple components which are in arbitrary postures into predetermined
postures, and supplies the components which are in the predetermined
postures. Hereinafter, detailed description will be given of the
configuration of the component supply device 32. Examples of the
components which are supplied by the component supply device 30 and the
bulk component supply device 32 include electronic circuit components,
constituent components of a solar cell, constituent components of a power
module, and the like. Among the electronic circuit components, there are
components which include leads, components which do not include leads,
and the like.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the bulk component supply device 32
includes a main body 80, a component feeder 82, a component scattered
state realization device 84, a component returning device 86, an imaging
device 88, and a component delivery device 90. The component feeder 82,
the component scattered state realization device 84, and the component
returning device 86 are assembled onto a frame 96 which is fixed to the
main body 80, and a component supply unit 98 is formed by the component
feeder 82, the component scattered state realization device 84, and the
component returning device 86. Five of the component supply units 98 are
arranged in the bulk component supply device 32, and the five component
supply units 98 are arranged to line up in a single row in the
X-direction. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the internal structure of the
bulk component supply device 32.

(a) Component Feeder

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the component feeder 82 includes a
component storage device 100, a housing 102, and a grip 104.

(i) Component Storage Device

[0040] The component storage device 100 is substantially a rectangular
parallelepiped shape, and an upper face and the front face are opened. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the inner portion of the component storage device
100 is divided into a charging section 110 and a storage section 112 by a
pair of inclined surfaces 106 and 108. Specifically, the inclined
surfaces 106 and 108 are arranged such that the end portions face each
other, and the inclined surfaces 106 and 108 are inclined such that the
end portions which face each other are positioned at the bottom. The end
portions which face each other of the inclined surfaces 106 and 108 are
separated, and an opening 114 is formed between the end portions which
face each other of the inclined surfaces 106 and 108. The grade of an
inclined surface 106 which is positioned at the front face side at which
the component storage device 100 is open is gentler than the grade of the
inclined surface 108, and the end portion of the opening 114 side of the
inclined surface 106 is positioned above the end portion of the opening
114 side of the inclined surface 108. The opening 114 is opened to be
larger than the components which are housed in the component storage
device 100.

[0041] Due to this structure, when multiple components are charged into
the charging section 110 from the open upper face of the component
storage device 100, the multiple components roll on the inclined surfaces
106 and 108, are moved from the opening 114, and are stored in the
storage section 112. A bottom face of the storage section 112, that is,
the bottom face of the component storage device 100 is an inclined
surface 116, and is inclined toward the open front face of the component
storage device 100.

(ii) Housing

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 102 includes a pair of
side walls 120. The pair of side walls 120 are substantially rectangular,
and are arranged facing each other so as to interpose the component
storage device 100. A pair of protruding portions 122 and 124 which
protrude in a square-bracket shape are formed on the end portion of the
rear side of each of the side walls 120. The pair of side walls 120 are
joined by connecting members 126 and 128 on the protruding portions 122
and 124. The pair of side walls 120 are joined by a connecting rod 130 at
the end portion of the front side, and are joined by a connecting rod 132
at the bottom end portion. The dimensions of the space between the pair
of side walls 120 are slightly longer than the width of the component
storage device 100 which is interposed between the pair of side walls
120.

[0043] A support shaft 134 is bridged across the pair of side walls 120 at
a base end section of the protruding portion 122, and the component
storage device 100 is supported, to be capable of rocking, by the support
shaft 134 at a bottom end portion on the rear side. In other words, the
component storage device 100 rocks centered on the support shaft 134 in
the inner portion of the housing 102. A rod-shaped stopper 136 is bridged
across the pair of side walls 120 at the top end portion, and a
rod-shaped stopper 138 is bridged at the bottom end portion. Upward
rocking of the component storage device 100 is restricted by the stopper
136, and downward rocking of the component storage device 100 is
restricted by the stopper 138.

[0044] A cutout portion 140 is formed on the front side of the side wall
of the component storage device 100, and a brush holding member 142 is
bridged across the pair of side walls 120 so as to be positioned in the
cutout portion 140. Accordingly, the component storage device 100 rocks
in the inner portion of the housing 102 without coming into contact with
the brush holding member 142. A brush 144 is fixed to the bottom end
portion of the brush holding member 142 so as to extend downward. The
brush 144 is formed in a plate shape, and the dimension in the width
direction of the brush 144 which is formed in a plate shape is slightly
smaller than the dimension in the width direction of the inner portion of
the component storage device 100. Accordingly, when the component storage
device 100 rocks upward, the brush 144 moves relatively toward the inner
portion of the component storage device 100.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a component discharge member 150 is
arranged, in a fixed manner, between the pair of side walls 120 so as to
be positioned in front of the bottom end portion of the front face of the
component storage device 100. The component discharge member 150 includes
an inclined plate 152, and a pair of side plates (note that only one of
the pair of side plates is depicted in FIG. 5) 154 which are provided to
stand at both end portions in the width direction of the inclined plate
152. The inclined plate 152 is formed by three different inclined
surfaces. First, a first inclined surface 156 which is closest to the
component storage device 100 is inclined in the same direction as the
inclined surface 116 of the component storage device 100, and is inclined
to the same extent as the inclined surface 116. A second inclined surface
158 which is continuous with the first inclined surface 156 is inclined
in the same direction as the first inclined surface 156, and is inclined
at a steeper angle than the first inclined surface 156. A third inclined
surface 160 which is continuous with the second inclined surface 158 is
inclined in the same direction as the second inclined surface 158, and is
inclined substantially in the vertical direction.

(iii) Grip

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the grip 104 is formed by a fixed
gripping member 170 and a movable gripping member 172. The fixed gripping
member 170 has a rectangular tubular shape, and one side face is open.
The fixed gripping member 170 is fixed to the connecting member 128 at
the top end portion and is fixed to the connecting member 126 at the
bottom end portion in a state in which the opening side face faces the
space between the pair of side walls 120. The movable gripping member 172
also has a rectangular tubular shape, and one side face is open. The
dimension in the width direction of the movable gripping member 172 is
slightly smaller than the dimension in the width direction of the fixed
gripping member 170. The movable gripping member 172 is fitted into the
inner portion of the fixed gripping member 170 such that the side face on
which the movable gripping member 172 is opened and the side face on
which the fixed gripping member 170 is opened face each other.

[0047] A support shaft 174 is bridged across the pair of side walls 120 at
the protruding portion 122, and the movable gripping member 172 is
supported, to be capable of rocking, by the support shaft 174 at the
bottom end portion. In other words, the movable gripping member 172 rocks
around the bottom end portion, and the top end portion of the movable
gripping member 172 approaches or separates from the fixed gripping
member 170. The movable gripping member 172 is joined to the rear face of
the component storage device 100 at the top end portion by a connecting
arm 176. Therefore, the component storage device 100 also rocks together
with the rocking of the movable gripping member 172. In other words, when
the top end portion of the movable gripping member 172 rocks in a
direction separating from the fixed gripping member 170, the component
storage device 100 rocks downward. On the other hand, when the top end
portion of the movable gripping member 172 rocks in a direction
approaching the fixed gripping member 170, the component storage device
100 rocks upward.

[0048] A cutout portion 178 is formed on the side face of the fixed
gripping member 170. The cutout portion 178 is formed of a first cutout
portion 180 which is cut out in a substantially horizontal direction from
the open side face of the fixed gripping member 170 toward the inside,
and a second cutout portion 182 which is cut out downward from the end
portion of the inner portion side of the first cutout portion 180. On the
other hand, an engagement member 184 which engages with the cutout
portion 178 is fixed to the side face of the movable gripping member 172.
A spring (not illustrated) is arranged in a compressed state between the
fixed gripping member 170 and the movable gripping member 172. Therefore,
the movable gripping member 172 is biased in a direction separating from
the fixed gripping member 170 by the elastic force of the spring. In this
case, the engagement member 184 of the movable gripping member 172 is
engaged with the first cutout portion 180 of the cutout portion 178.

[0049] In other words, in a normal state, the movable gripping member 172
is biased in a direction separating from the fixed gripping member 170,
and the top end portion of the movable gripping member 172 rocks in a
direction separating from the fixed gripping member 170. The component
storage device 100 rocks downward, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the
component storage device 100 comes into contact with the stopper 138. In
this case, the end portion of the front side of the inclined surface 116
of the component storage device 100 faces the end portion of the rear
side of the first inclined surface 156 of the inclined plate 152 with
almost no gap therebetween. When the component storage device 100 rocks
downward, since the brush 144 does not move relatively toward the inner
portion of the component storage device 100, there is a large opening
between the bottom end portion of the brush 144 and the inclined surface
116 of the component storage device 100. Therefore, in a normal state,
the components which are stored in the storage section 112 of the
component storage device 100 roll out onto the upper face of the inclined
plate 152.

[0050] The component feeder 82 is attached to the frame 96 to be
attachable and detachable. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the
frame 96 includes a pair of side frame sections 190. The pair of side
frame sections 190 are substantially plate shaped, and are arranged to
face each other in a state of being separated by a predetermined
distance. The distance between the pair of side frame sections 190 is
slightly longer than the dimension of the width direction of the
component feeder 82, that is, slightly longer than the distance between
the pair of side walls 120. Therefore, the component feeder 82 is
inserted between the pair of side frame sections 190.

[0051] An engaging pin 192 which protrudes toward the inner portion of the
frame 96 is fixed to the inner wall surface of each of the side frame
sections 190. On the other hand, a cutout portion 196 is formed in a
lower edge of each of the side walls 120 of the component feeder 82. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, a support member 200 of a longitudinal shape is
fixed to the inner wall surface of each of the side frame sections 190 so
as to extend in the front-rear direction. An inclined surface 202 which
is inclined downward toward the front is formed on the end portion of the
front side of the support member 200. On the other hand, an engaging pin
206 is formed on the outer wall surface of each of the side walls 120 of
the component feeder 82. When the component feeder 82 is inserted between
the pair of side frame sections 190, the engaging pin 192 engages with
the cutout portion 196, and the engaging pin 206 is supported on the
inclined surface 202 of the support member 200. Accordingly, the
component feeder 82 is positioned between the pair of side frame sections
190.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a frame main body section 210 is arranged
under the connecting member 126 of the component feeder 82 which is
positioned between the pair of side frame sections 190. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, a pair of support blocks 212 are fixed to the upper face of the
frame main body section 210 to line up in the width direction of the
frame 96. An engagement rod 214 is bridged across the pair of support
blocks 212. A claw member 216 is fixed to the bottom end portion of the
movable gripping member 172 of the grip 104 of the component feeder 82.
The claw member 216 is substantially L shaped, and a bent distal end
portion extends toward the engagement rod 214. In a state in which the
movable gripping member 172 is biased in a direction separating from the
fixed gripping member 170 by the elastic force of the spring, that is, in
a normal state, the distal end portion of the claw member 216 is engaged
with the engagement rod 214. Accordingly, the component feeder 82 is
locked to the frame 96 in a state of being positioned between the pair of
side frame sections 190.

[0053] In a case in which the operator grips the grip 104 of the component
feeder 82, the movable gripping member 172 approaches the fixed gripping
member 170 against the elastic force of the spring. In this case, the
claw member 216 which is fixed to the bottom end portion of the movable
gripping member 172 rocks in a direction separating from the engagement
rod 214. Accordingly, the engagement of the claw member 216 to the
engagement rod 214 is released. Therefore, by lifting the component
feeder 82 in a state in which the operator is gripping the grip 104 of
the component feeder 82, the component feeder 82 is removed from the
frame 96.

[0054] An RFID (short for radio frequency identifier) 217 is arranged on
the inside of the bottom end portion of the fixed gripping member 170 of
the grip 104. The RFID 217 transmits ID information by short-range
wireless communication using radio waves, and information relating to the
components which are supplied by the component feeder 82 is transmitted
as the ID information. On the other hand, a receiver 218 which is capable
of receiving the ID information which is transmitted from the RFID 217 is
arranged on the upper face of the frame main body section 210.
Accordingly, in the bulk component supply device 32, in a case in which
the component feeder 82 is attached to the frame 96, the ID information
is received by the receiver 218, and the components which are supplied
from the component feeder 82 are collated based on the ID information.

(b) Component Scattered State Realization Device

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the component scattered state realization
device 84 includes a component support member 220, a component support
member moving device 222, and a feeder vibration device 224. The
component support member 220 includes a component support section 226 and
a pair of leg sections 228. The component support section 226 is
substantially in the form of a longitudinal plate and is arranged so as
to extend forward from under the inclined plate 152 of the component
feeder 82. The pair of leg sections 228 also have a plate shape and face
each other in a state of being fixed to both side edges of the component
support section 226 in the longitudinal direction. Each of the leg
sections 228 is fixed to a side edge in the longitudinal direction of the
component support section 226 so as to protrude in the up-down direction
of the component support section 226.

[0056] The component support member moving device 222 includes a slider
230 and a slide mechanism 232. The slider 230 is fixed to the bottom end
portion of the leg sections 228 of the component support member 220. The
slide mechanism 232 is a mechanism which causes the slider 230 to move in
the front-rear direction through the driving of an electromagnetic motor
(not illustrated). Accordingly, the component support member 220 moves in
the front-rear direction in a state in which the upper face of the
component support section 226 is horizontal, slightly below the bottom
end of the inclined plate 152 of the component feeder 82. As illustrated
in FIG. 5, the component support member 220 moves between a component
supply position at which substantially the entirety of the component
support section 226 is exposed and a retraction position at which the
entirety of the component support section 226 is positioned below the
component feeder 82 as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the feeder vibration device 224 includes
a cam member 240, a cam follower 242, and a stopper 244. The cam member
240 is plate shaped, and is fixed to the side face of the outside of the
leg section 228 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. Multiple
teeth 245 are formed at an equal interval in the front-rear direction on
the top end portion of the cam member 240. As illustrated in FIG. 9, each
of the multiple teeth 245 is defined by an inclined surface 246 which
faces upward toward the rear, and a vertical surface 248 which extends
downward in the vertical direction from the top end of the inclined
surface 246.

[0058] The cam follower 242 includes a bracket 250, a lever 252, and a
roller 254. The bracket 250 is fixed to the bottom end portion of the
front side of the side wall 120 of the component feeder 82. The lever 252
is arranged to extend in the up-down direction, and is held by the
bracket 250 at the top end portion so as to be capable of rocking around
an axial line which is parallel to the width direction of the component
feeder 82. The roller 254 is held by the bottom end portion of the lever
252 so as to be capable of rotating around an axial line which is
parallel to the width direction of the component feeder 82. The lever 252
is biased to a direction toward the front by an elastic force of a coil
spring (not illustrated).

[0059] The stopper 244 is provided to protrude from the bracket 250, and
the lever 252 which is biased by the elastic force of the coil spring is
in contact with the stopper 244. In other words, the stopper 244
restricts the rocking of the lever 252 to the front side. The lever 252
is in a posture in which the lever 252 extends downward in the vertical
direction in a state in which the forward rocking is restricted.

(c) Component Returning Device

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the component returning device 86
includes a container lifting and lowering device 260, a component
collecting container 262, a motion conversion mechanism 264, and a
shutter 265. The container lifting and lowering device 260 includes an
air cylinder 266 and a lifting and lowering member 268. The air cylinder
266 includes a piston rod 270, and is provided on the front side of the
component support member 220 such that the piston rod 270 expands and
contracts in the up-down direction. The air cylinder 266 is fixed to the
end portion of the front side of the slider 230. Accordingly, the air
cylinder 266 moves in the front-rear direction together with the
component support member 220 through the operation of the component
support member moving device 222. The lifting and lowering member 268 is
fixed to the distal end portion of the piston rod 270, and the component
collecting container 262 is arranged on the upper face of the lifting and
lowering member 268. Accordingly, the component collecting container 262
moves in the up-down direction through the operation of the air cylinder
266. In this case, the component collecting container 262 moves between
the lifting end position which is positioned higher than the component
feeder 82, as illustrated in FIG. 10, and the lowering end position which
is positioned lower than the component support section 226 of the
component support member 220, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0061] The component collecting container 262 has a box-like shape with an
opened upper face, and is held to be capable of rotating around an axial
line which is parallel to the width direction of the component feeder 82
on the upper face of the lifting and lowering member 268. Accordingly,
the bottom face of the component collecting container 262 becomes
horizontal, and the component collecting container 262 pivots between a
component receiving posture (the posture of the component collecting
container 262 in FIG. 11) in which the components may be received from
the opening, and a component discharge posture (the posture of the
component collecting container 262 in FIG. 10) in which the bottom face
of the component collecting container 262 becomes vertical and it is
possible to discharge the components from the opening. The component
collecting container 262 is biased in a direction in which the component
collecting container 262 assumes the component receiving posture by a
coil spring (not illustrated). Accordingly, in a normal state, the
component collecting container 262 is supported in the component
receiving posture. The rear wall of the component collecting container
262 is an inclined wall which goes downward to the rear in the component
discharge posture.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the motion conversion mechanism 264
includes a protruding pin 272 and an engaging block 274. The protruding
pin 272 is arranged at end portion of the rear side of the component
collecting container 262 in the component receiving posture, and
protrudes toward the outside at the side of the component collecting
container 262. On the other hand, the engaging block 274 is fixed to the
inside of the top end portion on the front side of the side frame section
190. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the protruding pin 272 is engaged with
the engaging block 274 when the component collecting container 262 is
lifted to the lifting end position through the operation of the air
cylinder 266. Accordingly, the component collecting container 262 pivots
and assumes the component discharge posture.

[0063] The shutter 265 is substantially plate shaped, and the dimension in
the width direction thereof is approximately the same as the dimension in
the width direction of the component support member 220. A long hole 278
is formed in the shutter 265 so as to extend in the up-down direction,
and a protruding section 280 which is fixed to the end portion on the
front side of the slider 230 is inserted into the long hole 278 in a
state in which there is a clearance. Accordingly, the shutter 265 slides
in a direction along the long hole 278, that is, in the up-down direction
between the component support member 220 and the component returning
device 86. The shutter 265 is biased upward by a coil spring 282.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 11, a protruding portion 284 which protrudes
toward the rear is formed at the end portion on the rear side of the
lifting and lowering member 268. On the other hand, a bent portion 286
which is bent toward the front is formed at the bottom end portion of the
shutter 265. In a state in which the component collecting container 262
is lowered to the lowering end position, the protruding portion 284 of
the lifting and lowering member 268 is engaged with the bent portion 286
of the shutter 265 from above. Accordingly, the shutter 265 is prevented
from moving upward by the coil spring 282. The top end of the shutter 265
at this time is positioned below the component support section 226 of the
component support member 220. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the
component collecting container 262 is lifted through the operation of the
air cylinder 266, the lifting and lowering member 268 is also lifted. In
this case, the shutter 265 is lifted together with the lifting and
lowering member 268 due to the elastic force of the coil spring 282. When
the component collecting container 262 is lifted through the operation of
the air cylinder 266 and the lifting and lowering member 268 is also
lifted, the shutter 265 is also lifted, and as illustrated in FIG. 13,
the lifting of the shutter 265 is restricted due to the protruding
section 280 coming into contact with the bottom end portion of the long
hole 278. The top end of the shutter 265 which is in a state in which the
lifting is restricted is positioned above the inclined plate 152 of the
component feeder 82.

(d) Imaging Device

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the imaging device 88 includes a camera
290 and a camera moving device 292. The camera moving device 292 includes
a guide rail 296, a slider 298, an electromagnetic motor (not
illustrated). The guide rail 296 is fixed to the main body 80 so as to
extend in the width direction of the bulk component supply device 32
above the component feeder 82. The slider 298 is attached to the guide
rail 296 to be capable of sliding along the guide rail 296, and slides to
an arbitrary position through the operation of the electromagnetic motor.
The camera 290 is mounted to the slider 298 in a state of facing
downward. The component support member 220 which is in the component
supply position is positioned under the camera 290 which is mounted to
the slider 298. Accordingly, the camera 290 moves over the component
support member 220 of an arbitrary component supply unit 98 among the
five component supply units 98, and images the multiple components on the
component support section 226 of the component support member 220.

(e) Component Delivery Device

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 14, the component delivery device 90
includes a component holding head moving device 300, a component holding
head 302, and two shuttle devices 304.

(i) Component Holding Head Moving Device

[0067] The component holding head moving device 300 includes an
X-direction moving device 310, a Y-direction moving device 312, and a
Z-direction moving device 314. The Y-direction moving device 312 includes
a Y slider 316, a pair of guide rails 318, and an electromagnetic motor
(not illustrated). The pair of guide rails 318 are provided on the main
body 80 so as to extend in the Y-direction to interpose the five
component supply units 98. The Y slider 316 is supported to be capable of
sliding in the Y-direction by the pair of guide rails 318 at both end
portions, and moves to an arbitrary position in the Y-direction through
the driving of the electromagnetic motor. The X-direction moving device
310 includes an X slider 320 and an electromagnetic motor (not
illustrated). The X slider 320 is held to be capable of sliding in the
X-direction on the side face of the Y slider 316, and moves to an
arbitrary position in the X-direction through the driving of the
electromagnetic motor. The Z-direction moving device 314 includes a Z
slider 322 and an electromagnetic motor (not illustrated). The Z slider
322 is held to be capable of sliding in the Z-direction on the side face
of the X slider 320, and moves to an arbitrary position in the
Z-direction through the driving of the electromagnetic motor.

[0068] The component holding head 302 is mounted to the Z slider 322.
Accordingly, through the operation of the component holding head moving
device 300, the component holding head 302 is capable of moving in the
up-down direction in addition to moving to an arbitrary position in the
horizontal direction above the component support member 220 of the five
component supply units 98. Therefore, the component holding head 302 is
capable of moving between a holding position at which it is possible to
hold the components from the component support member 220 of an arbitrary
component supply unit 98 of the five component supply units 98, and a
retraction position which is retracted from the holding position. The
movement range of the component holding head 302 in the up-down direction
due to the component holding head moving device 300 is between the upper
face of the component support section 226 of the component support member
220 and the imaging device 88. In other words, the movement range of the
component holding head 302 due to the component holding head moving
device 300 is different from the movement range of the camera 290 due to
the camera moving device 292. Therefore, it is possible to cause the
camera 290 of the imaging device 88 and the component holding head 302 to
move at the same time above the component support member 220 of the same
component supply unit 98 among the five component supply units 98.

(ii) Component Holding Head

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the component holding head 302 includes
a head main body 330, a suction nozzle 332, a nozzle pivoting device 334,
a nozzle rotation device 336, and a nozzle attachment device (refer to
FIG. 17) 338. The head main body 330 is formed integrally with the Z
slider 322. The nozzle pivoting device 334 is a device which causes the
suction nozzle 332 to pivot. Specifically, an electromagnetic motor 340
is fixed to the head main body 330 such that an output shaft 341 of the
electromagnetic motor 340 extends in the up-down direction. A screw rod
342 is arranged to extend in the up-down direction so as to be capable of
rotating around an axial line. The rotational force of the
electromagnetic motor 340 is transmitted to the screw rod 342 via timing
pulleys 344 and 346 and a timing belt 348. A nut 350 is engaged with the
screw rod 342, and a slider 352 is fixed to the nut 350. Accordingly, the
slider 352 slides in the up-down direction through the rotation of the
screw rod 342, that is, the driving of the electromagnetic motor 340.

[0070] A spline shaft 354 is fixed to the slider 352 so as to protrude
downward, and a lever 356 is attached to the bottom end portion of the
spline shaft 354 at one end portion so as to be capable of rotating
around a horizontal axial line due to a shaft 357. A nozzle holding
member 358 is fixed to the other end portion of the lever 356, and the
suction nozzle 332 is held by the nozzle holding member 358. An arm 360
which protrudes in a direction which perpendicularly intersects a
rotational axial line of the lever 356 is fixed to the side face of the
lever 356. A roller 362 is attached to the tip portion side of the arm
360, and the roller 362 is capable of rotating around an axial line which
is parallel to the rotational axial line of the lever 356. A cam member
364 is fixed to the head main body 330, and a long hole 366 which extends
in the horizontal direction is formed in the cam member 364. A roller 362
which functions as a cam follower is engaged with the long hole 366, and
moves along the long hole 366.

[0071] According to this structure, when the slider 352 slides to a
lifting end position, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the spline shaft 354 and
the lever 356 are positioned on the same axis, and the suction nozzle 332
is positioned in the non-pivoting position without pivoting. When the
slider 352 is lowered through the driving of the electromagnetic motor
340, the roller 362 moves in a direction which separates from the spline
shaft 354 inside the long hole 366. Accordingly, the lever 356 rotates
around the shaft 357, and the suction nozzle 332 pivots. In this case,
when the slider 352 slides to the lowering end position, as illustrated
in FIG. 16, the suction nozzle 332 pivots by 90.degree. together with the
lever 356 and is positioned at the pivoting position. In this manner, the
suction nozzle 332 pivots between the non-pivoting position and the
pivoting position through the driving of the electromagnetic motor 340.

[0072] The nozzle rotation device 336 is a device which causes the suction
nozzle 332 to rotate around the axis of the suction nozzle 332.
Specifically, an electromagnetic motor 370 is fixed to the head main body
330 such that the output shaft (not illustrated) of the electromagnetic
motor 370 extends in the up-down direction, and a gear 372 is attached to
the output shaft of the electromagnetic motor 370. A gear 374 which is
capable of relative movement in the axial line direction of the spline
shaft 354 but is not capable of relative rotation is engaged with the
spline shaft 354. The gear 372 is engaged with the gear 374. Accordingly,
the spline shaft 354 rotates around the axis through the driving of the
electromagnetic motor 370. Since the spline shaft 354 and the gear 374
are capable of relative movement in the axial line direction of the
spline shaft 354, even if the spline shaft 354 moves in the up-down
direction during the pivoting of the suction nozzle 332, the rotational
force of the electromagnetic motor 370 is transmitted to the spline shaft
354. A transmission mechanism (not illustrated) which transmits the
rotational force of the spline shaft 354 to the suction nozzle 332 is
embedded in the inner portion of the lever 356, and the suction nozzle
332 rotates around the axis of the suction nozzle 332 together with the
rotation of the spline shaft 354.

[0073] The nozzle attachment device 338 is a device for attaching the
suction nozzle 332 to be attachable and detachable to the nozzle holding
member 358. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the nozzle attachment device 338
includes a recessed section 376, a negative pressure source 378, an
electromagnetic valve 380, a positive pressure source 382, and an
electromagnetic valve 384. The recessed section 376 is formed in an
abutting surface between the nozzle holding member 358 and the suction
nozzle 332, and functions as a negative pressure chamber. The negative
pressure source 378 and the positive pressure source 382 are connected to
the recessed section 376, and an electromagnetic valve 380 is arranged in
a path between the recessed section 376 and the negative pressure source
378, and the electromagnetic valve 384 is arranged in the path between
the recessed section 376 and the positive pressure source 382. Therefore,
in a state in which the suction nozzle 332 is in contact with the
abutting surface of the nozzle holding member 358 and the recessed
section 376 is blocked by the suction nozzle 332, the suction nozzle 332
is held by the nozzle holding member 358 due to the negative pressure
being supplied to the recessed section 376 through the operation of the
electromagnetic valve 380. Through the operation of the electromagnetic
valve 384, the positive pressure is supplied to the recessed section 376,
whereby the suction nozzle 332 which is held by the nozzle holding member
358 is detached.

[0074] The suction nozzle 332 sucks and holds the component using negative
pressure, and there is a multiple types of suction nozzle 332 which have
different suction surface sizes of the suction pipe, for example,
different nozzle diameters, which is the diameter of the suction pipe.
Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a nozzle accommodation device 386 is
provided on the main body 80 in the bulk component supply device 32.
Multiple types of the suction nozzle 332 which have different nozzle
diameters are stored in the nozzle accommodation device 386, the
component holding head 302 is caused to move to the nozzle accommodation
device 386 by the component holding head moving device 300 as necessary,
and the suction nozzle 332 which is mounted to the component holding head
302 and the suction nozzle 332 which is stored in the nozzle
accommodation device 386 are automatically exchanged.

(iii) Shuttle Device

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the two shuttle devices 304
includes a component carrier 388 and a component carrier moving device
390, and the shuttle devices 304 are fixed to the main body 80 to line up
in the horizontal direction on the front side of the component supply
units 98. Five component receiving members 392 are mounted to the
component carrier 388 in a state of being lined up in a single row in the
horizontal direction, and the components are placed on each of the
component receiving members 392.

[0076] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the component receiving
member 392 is fitted to be attachable and detachable in a recessed
section 396 of the component carrier 388, and is positioned in the
front-rear direction and the horizontal direction by convex portions 398
and 400, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the component which is
supplied by the bulk component supply device 32 is an electronic circuit
component (hereinafter may be abbreviated to "lead component") 410 which
includes leads, and the lead component 410 is formed of a block-shaped
component main body 412, and two leads 414 which protrude from the bottom
face of the component main body 412.

[0077] A component receiving recessed section 416 is formed in the
component receiving member 392. The component receiving recessed section
416 is a step-shaped recessed portion, and is formed of a main body
section receiving recessed section 418 which is open to the upper face of
the component receiving member 392, and a lead receiving recessed section
420 which is open to the bottom face of the main body section receiving
recessed section 418. The opening of the lead receiving recessed section
420 is smaller than the opening of the main body section receiving
recessed section 418, and a step surface 422 is formed between the lead
receiving recessed section 420 and the main body section receiving
recessed section 418. The edge portion of the opening of the lead
receiving recessed section 420 is chamfered, and a guide surface 426 is
formed. The component main body 412 of the lead component 410 is inserted
into the main body section receiving recessed section 418 of the
component receiving recessed section 416 along the guide surface 426. In
this case, the lead component 410 is set to a posture at which the leads
414 face downward, and the leads 414 are inserted into the lead receiving
recessed section 420. The depth dimension of the lead receiving recessed
section 420 is deeper than the length dimension of the leads 414.
Therefore, the lead component 410 is placed in the inner portion of the
component receiving recessed section 416 in a state in which the bottom
face of the lead component 410 is supported by the step surface 422 from
below. Incidentally, each of the main body section receiving recessed
section 418 and the lead receiving recessed section 420 of the component
receiving recessed section 416 is a shape corresponding to the shape,
dimensions, and the like of the lead component 410 which is placed in the
component receiving recessed section 416, and multiple types of the
component receiving member 392 exist. Therefore, it is possible to
exchange the component receiving member 392 which is mounted to the
component carrier 388 according to the lead component 410 which is placed
in the component receiving recessed section 416.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the component carrier moving device 390
includes a moving device main body 430, and a main body slide device 432.
The moving device main body 430 is a plate shaped longitudinal member,
and is arranged on the front side of the component supply unit 98 so as
to extend in the front-rear direction. A guide rail 434 is arranged on
the upper face of the moving device main body 430 so as to extend in the
longitudinal direction of the moving device main body 430, and the
component carrier 388 is engaged with the guide rail 434. Accordingly,
the component carrier 388 slides along the guide rail 434 on the upper
face of the guide rail 434.

[0079] The main body slide device 432 includes an endless belt 436 and an
electromagnetic motor (not illustrated). Multiple pulleys (not
illustrated) which are capable of rotating around an axial line which is
parallel to the horizontal direction are arranged on both ends of the
moving device main body 430 in the longitudinal direction, and the
endless belt 436 is wrapped around the multiple pulleys Due to the pulley
rotating through the driving of the electromagnetic motor, the endless
belt 436 pivots. The component carrier 388 is fixed to the endless belt
436. Accordingly, the component carrier 388 slides on the upper face of
the guide rail 434 to an arbitrary position in the front-rear direction.
When the component carrier 388 slides in a direction approaching the
component supply unit 98, the component holding head 302 slides to the
component receiving position which is positioned within the movement
range of the component holding head 302 due to the component holding head
moving device 300. On the other hand, when the component carrier 388
slides in a direction separating from the component supply unit 98, the
component carrier 388 slides to the component supply position which is
positioned within the movement range of the work heads 60 and 62 by the
work head moving device 64.

<Operation of Component Mounting Device>

[0080] The component mounting device 10, according to the configuration
which is described above, mounting work of the components onto the
circuit substrate 12 which is held by the substrate conveying and holding
device 22 is performed. Specifically, the circuit substrate 12 is
conveyed to a working position, and is held at the position by the
clamping device 52 in a fixed manner. Next, the imaging device 26 moves
above the circuit substrate 12 and images the circuit substrate 12.
Accordingly, information relating to the error of the holding position of
the circuit substrate 12 is obtained. The component supply device 30 or
the bulk component supply device 32 supplies the components at a
predetermined supply position. Detailed description relating to the
supplying of the components by the bulk component supply device 32 will
be given later. Either of the work heads 60 and 62 moves above the supply
position of the component and holds the component using the component
holding tool 66. Next, the work head 60 or 62 which holds the component
moves above the imaging device 28, and the components which is held by
the component holding tool 66 is imaged by the imaging device 28.
Accordingly, information relating to the error of the holding position of
the component is obtained. The work head 60 or 62 which holds the
component moves above the circuit substrate 12, corrects the error of the
holding position of the circuit substrate 12, the error of the holding
position of the component, and the like, and mounts the component onto
the circuit substrate 12.

<Operation of Bulk Component Supply Device>

(a) Supply of Lead Component by Bulk Component Supply Device

[0081] In the bulk component supply device 32, the lead component 410 is
charged into the component storage device 100 of the component feeder 82
by the operator, and the charged lead component 410 is supplied in a
state of being placed on the component receiving member 392 of the
component carrier 388 through the operation of the component supply unit
98 and the component delivery device 90. Specifically, the operator
charges multiple lead components 410 of the same type from the opening on
the upper face of the component storage device 100 of the component
feeder 82 of an arbitrary component supply unit 98 among the five
component supply units 98. At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the
component support member 220 is moved to the retraction position below
the component feeder 82 through the operation of the component support
member moving device 222, and the component collecting container 262 is
positioned in front of the component feeder 82.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lead components 410 which are charged
from the opening in the upper face of the component storage device 100
fall from the charging section 110 of the component storage device 100
into the storage section 112 via the opening 114. In this case, the lead
components 410 which fall roll on the inclined surface 116 and spread out
on the inclined surface 116. If the lead components 410 block the opening
114 and the opening 114 enters a blocked state, the multiple lead
components 410 charged from the opening in the upper face of the
component storage device 100 assume a state of being stacked in bulk in
the charging section 110. Even in a case in which the lead components 410
which fall onto the inclined surface 116 exceed the inclined plate 152
and roll off, the lead components 410 are housed in the component
collecting container 262 which is positioned in front of the component
feeder 82.

[0083] After the charging of the lead components 410 to the component
storage device 100, the component support member 220 is caused to move
from under the component feeder 82 toward the front through the operation
of the component support member moving device 222. In this case, if the
cam member 240 reaches the cam follower 242, as illustrated in FIG. 20,
the roller 254 of the cam follower 242 is lifted along the inclined
surface 246 of the teeth 245 of the cam member 240. The roller 254
surpasses the teeth 245 on the vertical surface 248 of the teeth 245. The
lever 252 of the cam follower 242 is biased in a direction toward the
front by the elastic force of a coil spring, and the biasing of the lever
252 to the front is restricted by the stopper 244. Therefore, when the
component support member 220 moves toward the front, the component
support member 220 is maintained in a state in which the roller 254
meshes with the teeth 245, the lever 252 does not rotate toward the
front, and the roller 254 surpasses the teeth 245. In this case, the
component feeder 82 is lifted due to the surpassing of the teeth 245 of
the roller 254. In other words, in a state in which the roller 254 meshes
with the teeth 245, the component support member 220 moves toward the
front, whereby the roller 254 surpasses the multiple teeth 245, and the
component feeder 82 continuously vibrates in the up-down direction.

[0084] The lead components 410 which are spread out on the inclined
surface 116 of the component storage device 100 moves to the front due to
the vibration of the component feeder 82 and the inclination of the
inclined surface 116, and are discharged onto the upper face of the
component support section 226 of the component support member 220 via the
inclined plate 152. In this case, the falling of the lead components 410
from the upper face of the component support section 226 is prevented by
the leg sections 228 of the component support member 220. Due to the
vibration of the component feeder 82, the lead components 410 which block
the opening 114 fall onto the inclined surface 116 via the opening 114,
and are discharged onto the upper face of the component support section
226 via the inclined plate 152. As the component support member 220 moves
to the front, the area of the component support section 226 which are
exposed from the bottom of the component feeder 82 increases, and the
lead components 410 are sequentially discharged onto the component
support section 226 corresponding to the increased area. At a timing at
which the roller 254 surpasses the teeth 245, the component feeder 82
vibrates, and the lead components 410 are discharged from the component
feeder 82 onto the upper face of the component support section 226. The
cam member 240 is disengaged from the cam follower 242 before the
component support member 220 reaches the component supply position.
Therefore, when the cam member 240 is disengaged from the cam follower
242 and the component support member 220 moves to the component supply
position, the component feeder 82 does not vibrate, and the lead
components 410 are not discharged from the component feeder 82 onto the
upper face of the component support section 226. In this manner, in the
component supply unit 98, the multiple lead components 410 are scattered
on the upper face of the component support section 226 in a state in
which the component support member 220 reaches the component supply
position.

[0085] When the component support member 220 reaches the component supply
position, the camera 290 of the imaging device 88 is caused to move above
the component support section 226 on which the lead components 410 are
scattered through the operation of the camera moving device 292, and the
camera 290 images the lead components 410. Based on the captured image
data, the multiple lead components 410 which are scattered on the upper
face of the component support section 226 are divided into lead
components (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pickup target
components") that can be picked up by the suction nozzle 332, and a lead
component (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "non-pickup target
components") that may not be picked up by the suction nozzle 332. Since
the method of dividing the pickup target components from the non-pickup
target components is not related to the invention, a brief description
will be given. The lead components 410 which are in a state in which a
surface difficult to suck such as an uneven surface faces upwards, the
lead components 410 which are in a state in which the leads 414 are in
contact with the upper face of the component support section 226 and are
inclined, and the like are classified as non-pickup target components,
and the other lead components 410 are classified as pickup target
components. Information such as the position on the component support
section 226, the posture of the lead components 410, and the like is
acquired for the lead components 410 which are classified as the pickup
target components based on the captured image data.

[0086] The component holding head 302 is moved above the pickup target
component through the operation of the component holding head moving
device 300 based on the acquired positional information of the pickup
target component, and the pickup target component is sucked and held by
the suction nozzle 332. When the pickup target component is sucked and
held by the suction nozzle 332, the suction nozzle 332 is positioned at
the non-pivoting position.

[0087] After the pickup target component is held by the suction nozzle
332, the component holding head 302 is caused to move above the component
carrier 388, and, at this time, the component carrier 388 is caused to
move to the component receiving position through the operation of the
component carrier moving device 390. When the component holding head 302
moves above the component carrier 388, the suction nozzle 332 is caused
to revolve to the pivoting position. However, since the revolving
direction of the suction nozzle 332 is a single direction, the leads 414
of the lead component 410 which is held by the suction nozzle 332 at the
pivoting position may face downward in the vertical direction. Therefore,
in order that the leads 414 of the lead component 410 which is held by
the suction nozzle 332 at the pivoting position faces downward in the
vertical direction, the holding posture by the suction nozzle 332 is
calculates based on the posture information of the pickup target
component on the component support section 226. The suction nozzle 332 is
caused to rotate by the nozzle rotation device 336 before holding the
pickup target component such that the pickup target component may be held
with the calculated holding posture. Accordingly, the lead component 410
which is held by the suction nozzle 332 of the pivoting position enters a
state in which leads 414 face downward in the vertical direction.

[0088] When the component holding head 302 is caused to move above the
component carrier 388, the lead component 410 which is in a state in
which the leads 414 face downward in the vertical direction is inserted
into the component receiving member 392 along the guide surface 426. In
this case, the lead component 410 is placed on the component receiving
member 392 in a state in which the leads 414 face downward in the
vertical direction. The component carrier 388 moves to the component
supply position through the operation of the component carrier moving
device 390. Since the component carrier 388 which is moved to the
component supply position is positioned in the movement range of the work
heads 60 and 62, the lead component 410 is supplied at this position in
the bulk component supply device 32. Accordingly, the lead component 410
which is placed on the component receiving member 392 of the component
carrier 388 at the component supply position is held by the component
holding tools 66 of the work heads 60 and 62. In this manner, in the bulk
component supply device 32, the lead component 410 is supplied in a state
in which the leads 414 face downward, and the surface facing the surface
to which the leads 414 are connected faces upward. Therefore, the
component holding head 302 becomes capable of appropriately holding the
lead component 410.

[0089] The movement range of the component holding head 302 by the
component holding head moving device 300, and the movement range of the
camera 290 by the camera moving device 292 are different from each other,
as described above. Therefore, each time the pickup target component is
picked up by the component holding head 302, the camera 290 is capable of
obtaining the positional information of the pickup target component in a
state of being positioned above the component support member 220.
Specifically, the lead component 410 on the component support member 220
is imaged by the camera 290 which is positioned above the component
support member 220. Based on the captured image data, the work of picking
up is performed by the component holding head 302, and the pickup target
component which is picked up is placed on the component receiving member
392. In this case, the component holding head 302 is moved over the
component carrier 388 of the shuttle device 304, and is not positioned
above the component support member 220. Therefore, the lead component 410
on the component support member 220 is imaged by the camera 290 at a
timing at which the component holding head 302 is moved to above the
component carrier 388. The work of picking up a new pickup target
component is performed by the component holding head 302 based on the
captured image data. Accordingly, it becomes possible to perform the work
of picking up based on the newest information, and it becomes possible to
secure appropriate pickup work.

(b) Collection of Lead Components to Component Storage Device

[0090] When the work of picking up the pickup target components that are
scattered on the component support member 220 advances, many non-pickup
target components remain on the component support member 220. In such a
case, the lead components 410 on component support member 220 are
returned to the component storage device 100 through the operation of the
component returning device 86. Specifically, when the lead components 410
are returned to the component storage device 100, first, the component
support member 220 is caused to move toward to the bottom of the
component feeder 82 through the operation of the component support member
moving device 222. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the lead
component 410 on the component support member 220 is blocked by the third
inclined surface 160 of the inclined plate 152 of the component feeder
82. Therefore, when the component support member 220 moves toward the
bottom of the component feeder 82, the lead component 410 on the
component support member 220 moves forward relative to the component
support member 220, and is scraped off into the inner portion of the
component collecting container 262.

[0091] When the component support member 220 moves to the bottom of the
component feeder 82, a force in the same direction as the movement
direction of the component support member 220 acts on the cam follower
242 from the cam member 240, and, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the lever 252
of the cam follower 242 rotates against the elastic force of the coil
spring. Therefore, when the roller 254 of the cam follower 242 surpasses
the teeth 245 of the cam member 240, the lever 252 rotates and the
component feeder 82 does not vibrate. Accordingly, when the component
support member 220 moves toward the bottom of the component feeder 82,
the lead component 410 is not discharged from the component storage
device 100 to the component support member 220.

[0092] After the component support member 220 moves below the component
feeder 82, that is, after the component support member 220 moves to the
retraction position, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the component collecting
container 262 is lifted through the operation of the container lifting
and lowering device 260. In this case, as the component collecting
container 262 is lifted, the shutter 265 is lifted due to the elastic
force of the coil spring 282, and blocks the front of the inclined plate
152 of the component feeder 82, as illustrated in FIG. 13. Accordingly,
the discharging of the lead components 410 from the component feeder 82
is prevented.

[0093] When the component collecting container 262 is further lifted, the
protruding pin 272 which is arranged on the component collecting
container 262 engages with the engaging block 274 which is arranged on
the inside of the side frame section 190. Accordingly, as illustrated in
FIG. 10, the component collecting container 262 rotates. In this case,
the bottom face of the component collecting container 262 becomes
vertical, and the wall surface of the component storage device 100 side
of the component collecting container 262 becomes an inclined surface
which is inclined toward the component storage device 100. Therefore, the
lead components 410 inside the component collecting container 262 are all
returned to the inner portion of the component storage device 100.

[0094] When the lead component 410 is returned to the inner portion of the
component storage device 100, it is possible to perform the work of
supplying the lead components 410 in the other component supply unit 98
from the component supply unit 98 in which the work of returning the lead
components 410 is being performed. Specifically, when the cam follower
242 is engaged with the cam member 240 and the component feeder 82 is
vibrating, the lead components 410 are discharged onto the component
support member 220. Therefore, the lead components 410 are scattered on
the upper face of a side of the component support member 220 which is
separated from the component feeder 82, that is, the front side. On the
other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the component collecting container
262 is lifted at the position closest to the component feeder 82, and the
lead components 410 inside the component collecting container 262 are
returned to the component storage device 100. Therefore, even if the work
of picking up the lead components 410 on the component support member 220
of the other component supply unit 98 from the component supply unit 98
in which the work of returning the lead components 410 is being
performed, the component holding head 302 does not interfere with the
component collecting container 262. Accordingly, it is possible to
simultaneously perform the work of returning the lead components 410 in
the predetermined component supply unit 98, and the work of supplying the
lead components 410 in the different component supply unit 98 from the
predetermined component supply unit 98.

(c) Exchanging of Lead Components

[0095] When the circuit substrate 12 as the production target is changed,
it is necessary to replace the lead components 410 to be supplied. In
such a case, the component feeder 82 is removed from the frame 96, and
the component feeder 82 corresponding to a new type of the lead component
410 is mounted on the frame 96. Specifically, after the lead components
410 on the component support member 220 are returned to the inner portion
of the component storage device 100, the operator grips the grip 104 of
the component feeder 82, and as illustrated in FIG. 23, the movable
gripping member 172 is caused to rock toward the fixed gripping member
170. In this case, the engagement member 184 of the movable gripping
member 172 proceeds to the inner portion of the first cutout portion 180
of the fixed gripping member 170. When the engagement member 184 reaches
the top end of the second cutout portion 182, the engagement member 184
drops to the bottom end of the second cutout portion 182 due to the
weight of the component feeder 82. Accordingly, the engagement of the
claw member 216 which is attached to the bottom end of the movable
gripping member 172 to the engagement rod 214 is released, and it becomes
possible to remove the component feeder 82 from the frame 96, that is,
from between the pair of side frame sections 190.

[0096] When the grip 104 is gripped and the movable gripping member 172
rocks toward the fixed gripping member 170, the component storage device
100 rocks toward the rear around the support shaft 134 in the inner
portion of the housing 102. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the
end portion of the front side of the inclined surface 116 of the
component storage device 100 approaches or comes into contact with the
distal end portion of the brush 144. Accordingly, it becomes possible to
prevent the lead components 410 from being discharged from the inner
portion of the component storage device 100 when the component feeder 82
is removed from the frame 96. Even in a case in which the lead components
410 are jammed between the brush 144 and the inclined surface 116, it is
possible to prevent breakage of the lead components 410 through the
elastic deformation of the brush 144. Furthermore, since the engagement
member 184 of the movable gripping member 172 is dropped onto the bottom
end of the second cutout portion 182 of the fixed gripping member 170,
after the operator removes the component feeder 82 from the frame 96,
even if the hand is released from the grip 104, the movable gripping
member 172 does not rock due to the elastic force of the spring, and the
position of the component storage device 100 is maintained. Therefore,
even in a case in which the operator releases the hand from the grip 104
after the operator removes the component feeder 82 from the frame 96, the
inclined surface 116 of the component storage device 100 and the distal
end portion of the brush 144 are close or in contact with each other,
thereby preventing the lead components 410 from being discharged from the
inner portion of the component storage device 100.

[0097] When the component feeder 82 is removed from the frame 96, the
component feeder 82 corresponding to the new type of lead component 410
is inserted between the pair of side frame sections 190. In this case, as
illustrated in FIG. 23, the cutout portion 196 which is formed at the
bottom end portion of the side wall 120 of the component feeder 82 is
engaged with the engaging pin 192 of the side frame portion 190, and as
illustrated in FIG. 5, the engaging pin 206 which is provided at the
front end portion of the side wall 120 is engaged with the inclined
surface 202 of the support member 200 of the side frame section 190.
Accordingly, the component feeder 82 is positioned between the pair of
side frame sections 190. Due to the operator moving the engagement member
184 of the grip 104 from the bottom end to the top end of the second
cutout portion 182, the movable gripping member 172 rocks in a direction
separating from the fixed gripping member 170 due to the elastic force of
the spring. In this case, the claw member 216 which is attached to the
bottom end portion of the movable gripping member 172 engages with the
engagement rod 214. Accordingly, the component feeder 82 is locked to the
frame 96.

[0098] When the movable gripping member 172 rocks in a direction
separating from the fixed gripping member 170, the component storage
device 100 rocks toward the front around the support shaft 134 in the
inner portion of the housing 102. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
the end portion of the front side of the inclined surface 116 of the
component storage device 100 moves downward, and the space between the
distal end portion of the brush 144 and the inclined surface 116 is
opened. Accordingly, it becomes possible to discharge the lead components
410 which are charged into the component storage device 100 from the
storage section 112. In this manner, in the bulk component supply device
32, it becomes possible to easily exchange the lead components 410 to be
supplied by exchanging the component feeders 82.

[0099] When the component feeders 82 are exchanged, the ID information is
transmitted from the RFID 217 of the component feeder 82 which is newly
attached to the frame 96, and the receiver 218 which is provided on the
frame main body section 210 of the frame 96 transmits and receives the ID
information. Collation of the lead components 410 which are supplied by
the component feeder 82 which is newly attached to the frame 96 is
performed based on the ID information.

[0100] Incidentally, in the example described above, the bulk component
supply device 32 is an example of the component supply device. The
component feeder 82 is an example of the storage section. The frame 96 is
an example of the mounting section. The brush 144 is an example of the
closing member. The RFID 217 is an example of the identification
information recording medium. The component support member 220 is an
example of the component support section. The ID information which is
transmitted by the RFID 217 is an example of the identification
information.

[0101] The invention is not limited to the examples and modification
examples described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention
in various aspects subjected to various modifications and improvements
based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art. Specifically, for
example, in the example described above, the lead components 410 to be
supplied are exchanged by exchanging the component feeders 82; however,
the lead components 410 may be exchanged by a single component feeder 82.
In other words, after removing the component feeder 82 from the frame 96,
all of the lead components 410 are taken out from the inner portion of
the component feeder 82. The component feeder 82 is once again mounted to
the frame 96, and a new type of lead component 410 may be charged into
the component feeder 82 which is mounted to the frame 96. A new type of
lead component 410 is charged into the component feeder 82 from the inner
portion of which all the lead components 410 are removed, and the
component feeder 82, which is in the state in which a new type of lead
component 410 is stored in the inner portion, may be mounted to the frame
96.

[0102] In the example described above, as the component storage device 100
rocks in the inner portion of the housing 102, the opening for
discharging the lead components 410 of the component storage device 100
is closed by the brush 144. In other words, at the timing at which the
locking of the component feeder 82 to the frame 96 is released, the
opening of the component storage device 100 is closed by the brush 144;
however, it is possible to close the opening of the component storage
device 100 at an arbitrary timing. Specifically, for example, a closing
member such as a shutter is arranged so as to be capable of sliding
between an open position for opening the opening of the component storage
device 100 and a close position for closing the opening. The closing
member is caused to slide through the operation of an actuator such as an
electromagnetic motor. Accordingly, it is possible to close the opening
of the component storage device 100 at an arbitrary timing.

[0103] In the example described above, information relating to the lead
components 410 which are supplied by the component feeder 82 is
transmitted as identification information by the RFID 217; however, it is
possible to transmit information relating to the component feeder 82. In
this case, the information relating to the component feeder 82 and the
information relating to the lead components 410 which are supplied by the
component feeder 82 are stored in association with each other in the bulk
component supply device 32, and the information relating to the lead
components 410 which are supplied by the component feeder 82 is extracted
based on the received information relating to the component feeder 82.
The collation of the components is performed based on the extracted
information. It is possible to record the identification information in a
bar code, a 2D code, or the like, and to write the bar code, the 2D code,
or the like in the component feeder 82. In this case, the identification
information is read using a code reader or the like.